Fix It with Food

August 19, 2019
In this practical volume, Iron Chef America winner Symon (Playing with Fire) turns his attention to a food regimen intended to reduce inflammation and its accompanying pain. Symon, who manages his rheumatoid arthritis and discoid lupus through diet, and his frequent coauthor, Trattner, identify wheat, meat, sugar, dairy, and alcohol as aggravators of inflammation. The first section of recipes introduces a 10-day cleanse via a meal plan called “The Reset,” which purges all five ingredients, essentially leaving behind whole grains, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, along with anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric and walnuts. Breakfast choices include baked eggs in avocado, while lunch might be a warm spinach and mushroom salad, and, for dinner, stuffed peppers with black-eyed peas and quinoa. Among the dairy-free options, a cream of wild mushroom and barley soup gets its creaminess from oat milk, and its bone broth provides a healthy dose of collagen. Spaghetti squash and zucchini noodles sub for pasta in the flour-free section, and the natural sweetness of fruits star in sugar-free choices such as apple-and-cherry oat crisp. Whether coping with an autoimmune disease or simply seeking a flavorful, natural diet, readers will find fresh ideas here.

Starred review from February 1, 2020

After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, chef and restaurateur Symon, known for Iron Chef America and The Chew, sought to create meals that would change how he lives, cooks, eats, and feels. This standout collection is not a bible; rather, it is a guide, in Symon's words, to help those living with autoimmune diseases determine which foods cause inflammation and develop a stable of recipes avoiding common triggers such as dairy, flour, and sugar. Relying on vinegars (balsamic, red wine), spices (turmeric, cayenne) and herb-infused oils (oregano, parsley), Symon and frequent coauthor Trattner (Michael Symon's Playing with Fire) present satisfying (mostly) plant-based recipes, such as sweet potato pancakes with wilted greens, stuffed butternut squash, and grilled spiced cauliflower steaks with jeweled rice. Symon offers day-by-day meal plans, encouraging readers to repeat or swap dishes, as desired. VERDICT Brimming with creativity and personality, this cookbook sets itself apart with innovative ideas for those living with autoimmune diseases and anyone looking for delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that will please one or a crowd.--Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal

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